Facial acupuncture, £200 a session; www.energybodies.co.uk

They say: This stimulates the body's ability to regenerate by accelerating anti-inflammatory activity and removing toxins. It also prevents the formation of wrinkles, minimises the appearance of fine lines and increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients.

We say: Not for the faint-hearted, this treatment involves a lot of needles but the results are clear. Skin looked fresh, full, smooth and several people commented. Results last a week, but treatment needs to be maintained for longer-lasting effects.
Mark: 9/10

Vitamin cocktail injections, £120 a session. A course of seven (£500) is recommended at Pasha Clinic, 37 Maddox Street, London; 020-7409 7351

Bamford Hay Barn Spa, Gloucs

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They say: A series of injections delivers the cocktail of vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Results include greater luminosity, reduction of fine lines, plumper and firmer skin and general skin health.

We say: First, the downside - because it is a serious consideration - it can be quite painful. There may be bruising and red marks, so it's best done at the end of the day (applying Emla cream beforehand can help). That said, the treatments last only about 15 minutes and the results are excellent - subtle but perceptible. The benefits start to show after about three or four once-a-week sessions.

The skin glowed and looked younger, but without any of the paralysing or swollen effects of Botox or fillers. Lips also looked fuller and the tired circles round the eyes decreased. Maintenance can be kept up once or twice a month, and for those who can't bear pain, there's the Eporex option whereby the cocktail is delivered topically, although results take longer to show.
Mark: 9/10

bT-Ceutical combination facial, from £105; visit www.lookyoungerwithoutsurgery.com for nationwide spas/salons

They say: bT-Ceutical unites three technologies - microdermabrasion to remove surface debris and to help penetration of the accelerated technology products, microcurrent to firm and tone, and oxygen therapy to rehydrate and plump. This facial gives immediate results.

We say: One of the best facials. The different elements are adjusted according to requirements. A series of six is recommended to allow the microcurrents to tone the facial muscles. Tried only one session, but skin emerged cleaner, softer and clearer than it has in ages.
Mark: 9/10

Dr Christine Schrammek-Drusio's Green Peel, £270, Joanne Evans at the Soma Centre, The Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street, London W8, 020-7361 1994

They say: This uses 100 different herbs to help to brighten skin. It removes dead dull cells, improves light scarring and fine wrinkles and stimulates the production of collagen.

We say: The skin needs to be assessed as to whether a five-minute, eight, ten or twelve-minute peel would be the most effective. There is a slight tingling and the skin feels as if it is being massaged. The five-minute peel left skin very red that evening but by the next morning it looked little different from normal. However, after the five-day peel-off mask treatment, a noticeably finer, lighter, more radiant skin had emerged. The at-home face cream and tinted moisturiser were very easy to use. With hindsight, a deeper peel would have given a more distinct result.
Mark: 7/10

NLite-V Laser Treatment for problem skin, about £150 for full face; 020-7935 3366, or visit www.skinhealthspa.com

They say: Yellow light present in the NLite-V laser penetrates the skin deeply, killing bacteria present in acne. The healing properties of yellow light can repair the damage caused by acne, thus preventing reinfection to some extent. In addition, the texture of the skin can be improved.

We say: The whole session took about an hour; skin was cleansed, then the laser was used. While it wasn't relaxing, the tiny pinprick sensation was not painful. Skin was slightly red but resumed its normal colour after half an hour. The results were impressive: the troublesome hormonal spots that kept reappearing on the chin have disappeared and the skin tone is noticeably clearer. Three sessions are recommended, with two-week intervals, but there was a noticeable difference after the first treatment.
Mark: 9/10

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